San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-03-10


quite the rule to seek refuge from Mrs.
Dalton's sneers and GOODNESS in the
society of Mark CastletOn.
"You fill niche that was empty be-
fore you came" he said one day, look
ing at her with deep light in his hand
some eyes. "Icould not spare you now"
A deep flush rose on her cheeks.
"lngleside is the first real home
have known since papa died"
You are happy. here, Sylvan"
20, very happy"
81 am glad of that. You must never
leave u.s."
The sweet dream of content was
soon to be broken. Mrs. Dalton was a
shrewd woman, and soon saw in what
direction guardian and ward were drift
ing. 1t did not suit her plans that the
child she had affected to despise should
ever remain at Inglesde as mistress in
her stead. The next morning, as Syl-
via was gathering dew-wet violets in
the garden, she came down the walk
and paused beside her.
Have you formed any plans for the
future, Miss Dreeme?" she inquired,
after a few idle remarks had passed on
both sides.
NO" Sylvia answered, with a care
ltSS lduSu. Llho IliC DlluS duu Ilc
flowers, / have taken no thought of to-
morrow"
Mrs. Dalton frowned.
THAT is unwise in person endowed
with reason. OF course you cannot ex-
pect to remain here forever, as you are
now"
why not?" said the girl, looking up
with start.
"Why not?n mimicked her tormen-
tor. Your own good sense should tell
you the reason. The bread of depend
ence must be sweet to your palate"
what do you mean, Mrs. Dalton?"
do you not know that you are living
here upon charity? That Marks money
pays for the food you eat and the
clothes you wear2 l fancied enough
had been said upon this subject before
you came"
Sylvia had almost forgotten it. She
could not bring herself to believe the
wOman's cruel words had any real
foundation.
1T is not possible that papa left me
penniless," she faltered, her sweet face
growing very pale.
1.-The beggarly sum he left you was
spent long ago. l have Investigated
the subject. Mark has even paid some
of your school-bills. If you have any
spirit, you will decline becoming in
debted to him further"
Mrs. Dalton turned coldly away.
Having dropped her Parthian arrow,
she was satisfied to await the result.
Poor Sylvial 1t was cruel awaken
ing. Sinking down beside the sweet
smelling violets, she shed the bitterest
tears of her lifetime.
hn
toms bounty another hour. She must
leave lngleside at once-her dear, hap
py home. She could teach, give music
stage. Many ways Of self-suppOrt were
open to her.
In her abstraction she failed to hear
the step descending the walk. 1t paused
beside her; hand fell lightly upon her
bowed head.
why, Sylvia, my little friend, what
is the matter?'
Mr.. CastletOn's voice! The poor girl
started up, flushing with shame, and
trembling with misery.
"Mr. CastletOn, wish to know the
TRUTH" she said, in tone of gentle
dignity. Upon what terms am l liv-
ing at Ingleslde? What was the amount
of the bequest left by my father?"
lie drew back, visibIy startled and
embarrassed.
Really, Sylvia, am unable to say.
l should be compelled to look over my
accounts and"
You can tell me whether the money
has all been used or not" she inter-
rupted.
No answer. He stood looking at her
wistfully, his face full of sympathy and
yearning tenderness.
Sylvia's tears flowed afresh. You
might have told me-" she sobbed. "It
was not kind to let me remain under
such delusion, unknowingly living
upon your charity"
His face changed.
"What difference did it make, Sylvia?
1have enough and to spare. hoped you
would never know. 1t was real pleas
ure to be able to do you service"
She turned, trying in vain to suppress
her sobs.
II cannot remain at Ingleside, Mr..
Castleton. You must realize the neces-
sity of a change as fully as do"
"But will not let you leave me-"
With hasty stride he stood beside
her, and was encircling her trembling
figure with his arms.
"Sylvia, my darling, you do not know
how you have frightened the old place
by your presence. 1t has been like
paradise since you came. Do not go.
will not permit it. Remain as-my
wife,"
For moment her brain seemed to
reel. 1t was so sudden, so unexpected.
Growing deadly white, she lifted her
startled eyes to his face.
"You cannot mean it, Mr.. Castle
toni"
II do" he answered, in fervid tone.
"Your girlish beauty and innocence
have won upon me from the first. A
strong, deep passion has grown up in
my heart. L should be very miserable
if you left me-"
She was looking at him steadily, but
sharp pang shot through her heart.
II do not understand" she faltered.
81 had been told that-that-you loved
another"
II fancied 1 did, he said, in low
voice. But now doubt. That fever
ish dream was different from the deep,
abiding passion feel now. But why
speak or even think of it? Aunt Mar
garet told you the story, suppose? 1t
is well that you know it. Isabel Grier
is as one dead to me. never expect to
see her again. You can be all and more
to me than she has ever BEEN"
What response was Sylvia to make?
The tingling sweetness that seemed to
shoot through her veins told its own
story. Her head dropped against his
shoulder, and she breathed sigh of
sweet content.
Never had Mrs. Dalton been more
stortlad than Nvhan hpr bandSnma